children are unpredictable, and their food likes and dislikes change quickly. However, preschool children will usually eat, enjoy, and develop preference for what is served to them regularly. By 4 or 5 years of age, most children have established a wide range of food preferences and aversions (Hammer 1992). Food preferences and habits are shaped by what type of food the child is offered, how it is offered, and parental and peer attitudes toward foods (Birch, 1987). Young children prefer plain, simply flavored foods that are only lightly seasoned. Mixtures, as in casseroles, are well accepted as the children older. Foods requiring chewing are essential for oral development of strong bones, teeth, and mouth muscles. These body structures are crucial for proper speech development. Foods too tough for primary teeth to chew, like meats, are better chopped for the preschool child and for the child whose secondary teeth are erupting. Vegetables are typically the least preferred food group.Children sometimes go on food jags. They will eat only certain foods, for instance, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Usually these diversions of appetite do not last too long if the parents make no particular point of them. If milk is refused as a beverage, it can be served as cooked cereals or puddings insuring that the child gets its correct and sufficient nutrients. Often it will be accepted again if it is poured into a decorated mug, or occasionally is flavored, or is colored with bright fruit purees or juices. Plain yogurt and mild cheeses are good substitutes. A child, during this stage may have developed new food likes, but may face other problems related to maintaining good nutrition. Mornings in many homes are too often rushed, so that breakfast is a hurried meal or may be skipped entirely and a child who is apprehensive about school may eat poorly at lunch. Most children grow up healthy and well nourished. But along the path of ch...
